Agreed. Got a stack of the ball and uses it well. Definitely has no issue finding the footy and he even came back into the game after tiring late. I was impressed as like Draper it's as if he's already played a handful of games.

Post the carnival when people were talking about GWS's academy picks and the huge boost they were going to get, this guy was being talked about as a (late) first round possibility. I was thrilled to get him when we did, partly as when we called out his name I just assumed GWS would take him. Hopefully he's our Luke Parker, because we really need to strengthen the midfield and guys coming through picked in his range (plus guys like Langford) will be critical to taking the next step.

Who could you liken his playing style to? Does he really have a big standout skill to give him that edge?

Well please note that I don't personally watch any U18 footy, but I do read a lot of the reviews. My understanding is he just projects as a very good footballer. Not fast, not slow, not particularly great in the air, but positions himself well, uses it both sides, knows where the ball is, good work rate, clean user of the ball, endurance and strong stoppage work. Similarities are probably to S. Mitchell, who also went in a similar draft range. Knightmare compared him to Brad Ebert, others mentioned Sam Gibson, Priddis, and Rockliff. Most good phantom drafters (i.e. had seen kids play) put him in the 15 to 30 range.

Yeah. I see very little in common with Gaff really. If we go with a West Coast midfielder comparison, let's hope he develops into a Dean Kemp type (for those that remember him) a balanced dual sided ball magnet who was not quick but excellent in congestion and very courageous.